Evaluación del efecto climático sobre la estabilidad estructural del arbolado urbano de Montevideo

This study investigates the effects on urban trees in Montevideo of extreme weather events, particularly strong winds. The objective is to identify more adapted species, and those with less resistance in order to optimize urban management. The research combines analysis of meteorological data and the processing of reports of tree falls. The influence of the tree species and the intensity of the wind on stability is considered. The analysis characterizes climatic events, differentiating between extratropical cyclones and convective storms, to determine their differential impact on the rate of falls. The results show a significant correlation between the intensity of meteorological events and the number of fallen trees. The analysis of reports, grouped by genus/family, geographic location, and time period, identifies vulnerable species. Significant storms are analyzed, presenting wind speed data and maps illustrating the distribution of falls. Among the resistant species, Fraxinus, Platanus, Tipuana, Melia and Acer stand out, while the genera Cupressus, Pinus, Eucalyptus, and Schinus showed greater vulnerability. The presence of rain during wind events significantly increased the rate of falls. A higher probability of falls was observed in CCZs 4, 11, 17 and 18, while 6, 1, 14 and 8 showed lower rates. Seasonality also influenced the frequency of falls. The implications for the management of urban trees in Montevideo are significant. It is recommended to prioritize the planting of resilient species. It is crucial to avoid the planting of Cupressus, Eucalyptus, Pinus, Schinus and Salix due to their vulnerability and other undesirable characteristics. An inspection and monitoring program should be implemented for a regular maintenance scheme. It is necessary to investigate the causes of falls to identify factors that contribute to structural weakness. The integration of trees into urban design should ensure adequate spaces for root and aerial growth, considering their interaction with infrastructure. Awareness campaigns and training of arboricultural staff on best practices are recommended. Inter-institutional collaboration and an updated data registry are crucial for informed decision-making. Finally, additional research is suggested to delve deeper into species behavior and their adaptation to changing climatic conditions. Methodological limitations, such as imprecision in species identification and the use of meteorological data external to the study area, should be considered when interpreting the results.